Steering Device

ABSTRACT

A steering device including a column rotatably supporting a steering shaft on which a steering wheel is mounted; a vehicle body attaching bracket that is attachable to a vehicle body and has a pair of right and left side plates for holding right and left side surfaces of the column therebetween; a fastening rod spaced from the axis of the column and inserted into the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket and the column; and fastening members arranged at both ends of the fastening rod to fasten the inner surfaces of the side plates to the side surfaces of the column, wherein contact surfaces of the right and left side surface of the column and the inner surfaces of the side plates are formed in two parts including a part near the axis of the fastening rod and a part spaced from the axis of the fastening rod.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a steering device and more particularlyto a steering device in which the telescopic position (a forward andbackward position) or the tilting position (an inclination angle) of asteering wheel is adjustable in accordance with a physique or a drivingposition of a driver.

BACKGROUND ART

In the steering device that the telescopic position or the tiltingposition of the steering wheel is adjustable, after the telescopicposition or the tilting position of the steering wheel is adjusted, acolumn is firmly clamped to a vehicle body attaching bracket so that thesteering wheel does not move from that position.

As a steering device in which a telescopic position is adjustable and anouter column is clamped to an inner column, there is a steering devicedisclosed in Patent Document 1. In the steering device disclosed in thePatent Document 1, since the inner column is strongly fastened to theouter column, a position offsetting from the axis of the outer column isfastened.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged longitudinally sectional view showing aconventional steering device in which a position offsetting from theaxis of an outer column is fastened. As shown in FIG. 7, in the hollowand cylindrical outer column 1, a steering shaft 4 is supported tofreely rotate. To the steering shaft 4 in the rear side of a vehiclebody (a front side in the direction intersecting at right angles to thesurface of a sheet of FIG. 7), a steering wheel not shown in the drawingis attached.

To a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 15B formed in the outer column1 in the front side of the vehicle body (an interior side in thedirection intersecting at right angles to the surface of the sheet ofFIG. 7), an inner column is internally fitted. The outer column 1 isattached to the vehicle body 6 by a vehicle body attaching bracket (anupper bracket) 3.

A part of the inner column 2 in the front side of the vehicle body ispivotally supported by the vehicle body 6 through a tilting centralshaft not shown in the drawing. On the upper part of the vehicle bodyattaching bracket 3, a pair of right and left flange parts 31A and 31Bfor attaching the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 to the vehicle body 6is formed. The flange parts 31A and 31B are fastened to the vehicle body6 by bolts 312A and 312B and abutting surfaces 311A and 311B on theupper surface of the flange parts 31A and 31B abut on the vehicle body 6and are fixed thereto. In the flange parts 31A and 31B, a pair of rightand left side plates 32A and 32B are bent in L shapes and extenddownwardly from the flange parts 31A and 31B.

In the lower part of the outer column 1, clamp parts 11A and 11B areintegrally formed. In the lower surface of the outer column 1 and thelower surfaces of the clamp parts 11A and 11B, a slit 13 is formed so asto pass through from the outer peripheral surface 15A to the innerperipheral surface 15B of the outer column 1. The slit 13 is formed overthe entire length of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outercolumn 1.

Between inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B ofthe vehicle body attaching bracket 3, side surfaces of the clamp parts11A and 11B are held so as to move telescopically and tilt.

In the clamp parts 11A and 11B, telescopic long grooves 12A and 12Belongating in the axial direction of the outer column 1 are formed inthe lower part of the axis of the outer column 1. Further, a fasteningrod 34 is inserted into tilting long grooves 33A and 33B formed in theside plates 32A and 32B and the telescopic long grooves 12A and 12B fromthe right side of FIG. 7 (intersecting at right angles to the axis ofthe outer column 1).

In the right side of the fastening rod 34, a disk shaped head part (afastening member) 341 is formed. In the outer periphery of the head part341, chamfered parts 342 and 342 are formed in parallel. The chamferedpart 342 is internally fitted to the tilting long groove 33B to preventthe fastening rod 34 from rotating relative to the vehicle bodyattaching bracket 3 and to achieve tilt movement of the fastening rod 34along the long tilting groove 33B.

An end face 343 of the head part 341 abuts on an outer surface 322B ofthe side plate 32B. In a left side of the fastening rod 34, a male screw344 is formed. To the male screw 344, a cylindrical nut (a fasteningmember) 35 is screwed. An end face 351 of the nut 35 abuts on an outersurface 322A of the side plate 32A. To the nut 35, an operating lever 36is fixed through a washer 37 and a bolt 38.

Inside surfaces of the clamp parts 11A and 11B respectively, abuttingsurfaces 17A and 17B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod 34. The abutting surfaces 17A and 17B lightly abut on theinner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B, even whenthe fastening rod 34 is unfastened. The abutting surfaces 17A and 17Bcan abut on the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and32B over the entire length of the telescopic position adjusting range ofthe outer column 1.

The outer peripheral surface 15A of the outer column 1 has a spacebetween the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32Band the outer peripheral surface 15A, even when the fastening rod 34 isfastened.

When swinging the operating lever 36, the nut 35 rotates so that theside plates 32A and 32B is fastened through the fastening rod 34 or afastening state is released. That is, when the operating lever 36 isswung in a fastening direction, the nut 35 rotates and the end face 351of the nut 35 moves to a right side of FIG. 7 and the fastening rod 34moves to a left side of FIG. 7.

As a result, the end face 351 of the nut 35 fastens the outer surface322A of the side plate 32A and the end face 343 of the head part 341fastens the outer surface 322B of the side plate 32B. Thus, the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B strongly press theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod 34 to deform the clamp parts 11A and 11B toward the axisof the outer column 1 and narrow the width of the slit 13.

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15B of theouter column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to innercolumn 2. At the same time, the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B in thevicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are strongly fastened bythe inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B

Accordingly, the axis of the outer column 1 is considered to be afulcrum point, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and theinner surfaces 321A and 321B is considered to be a power point, and theclamp parts 11A and 11B are fastened by a moment proportional to adistance L2 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Therefore,the outer column 1 can be strongly pressed to the inner column 2.

However, the fastening position of the side plates 32A and 32B of thevehicle body attaching bracket 3 and the outer column 1 is located inthe vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 spaced downward fromthe axis of the outer column 1.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 fromthe steering wheel, in a moment applied to the vehicle body attachingbracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 311A and 311B ofthe flange parts 31A and 31B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to bea fulcrum point. Further, a center of the abutting parts of the abuttingsurfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B are considered to be a power point.A large force acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 by a momentproportional to a distance L1 between the fulcrum point and the powerpoint. Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG.7 is low relative to the steering force applied to the outer column 1.

In order to improve the supporting rigidity of the vehicle bodyattaching bracket, the vehicle body attaching bracket may be reinforced,however, a problem arises that the cost of a material is high and aweight increases. Further, to improve the supporting rigidity of thevehicle body attaching bracket 3, the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B inthe vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 may be extended nearthe axis of the outer column 1. However, since there is a dimensionalunevenness in production, the fastening position of the side plates 32Aand 32B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and the outer column 1is limited to a part in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod34. Thus, it is difficult to improve the supporting rigidity of thevehicle body attaching bracket 3.

In steering devices disclosed in Patent document 2 and Patent Document3, a spacer made of a synthetic resin is interposed between innersurfaces of a vehicle body attaching bracket and both right and leftside surfaces of an outer column to improve the supporting rigidity ofthe vehicle body attaching bracket. However, in the steering devicedisclosed in the Patent Document 2, since the number of parts isincreased, a problem arises that the cost of the parts is high and thenumber of assembling processes is increased.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-2001-347953

Patent Document 2: JP-A-8-207787

Patent Document 3: JP-B-3,415,953

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems that the Invention is to Solve

It is an object of the present invention to provide a light steeringdevice in which the number of parts or the number of assemblingprocesses is not increased, a fastening force of an outer column to aninner column is improved and the supporting rigidity of the outer columnto a vehicle body attaching bracket is improved.

Means for Solving the Problems

The above-described problems are solved by below-described means.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided asteering device including:

a column that supports a steering shaft on which a steering wheel ismounted so as to freely rotate;

a vehicle body attaching bracket that is attachable to a vehicle bodyand includes a pair of right and left side plates for holding right andleft side surfaces of the column therebetween;

a fastening rod spaced from an axis of the column and inserted into theside plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket and the column; and

fastening members arranged at both ends of the fastening rod to fastenan inner surfaces of the side plates to the side surfaces of the column,

wherein contact surfaces between the right and left side surface of thecolumn and the inner surfaces of the side plates are formed in two partsincluding a part near the axis of the fastening rod and a part spacedfrom the axis of the fastening rod.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device as set forth in the first aspect of the invention,wherein

the right and left side surfaces of the column respectively includes:

first abutting surfaces that abut on the inner surfaces of the sideplates in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod;

second abutting surfaces that abut on the inner surfaces of the sideplates in the vicinity of the axis of the column, and

recessed parts respectively formed between the abutting surfaces andrecessed from the abutting surfaces.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the second aspect of the invention, wherein

the column is an outer column externally fitted to an inner column so asto be telescopically adjustable, and

the fastening members fasten the outer column to the inner column at atelescopically adjustable position.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

the first and second abutting surfaces formed in the right and left sidesurface of the outer column are provided in the side surfaces of theouter column so as to come into contact with the inner surfaces of theside plates over a telescopic position adjusting range of the outercolumn.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

the outer column is held between the side plates of the vehicle bodyattaching bracket so that a tilting position is adjustable.

According: to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

when the fastening members at both the ends of the fastening rod arefastened, the first abutting surfaces abut on the inner surfaces of theside plates.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

when the fastening members at both the ends of the fastening rod arefastened, the second abutting surfaces abut on the inner surfaces of theside plates.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

the outer column is integrally formed with aluminum or magnesium.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the second aspect of the invention, wherein

the fastening members fasten the column at a prescribed tilt adjustingposition.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in aposition spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehiclebody is equal to or larger than a width between the right and left sidesurfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

a width between the inner surfaces of the right and left side plates ofthe vehicle body attaching bracket in a position spaced upward from theaxis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body is smaller than a widthbetween the inner surfaces of the right and left side plates of thevehicle body attaching bracket in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

the fastening members fasten the column at a tilt adjusting position,and

a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in aposition spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehiclebody is equal to or larger than a width between the right and left sidesurfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

the fastening members fasten the column at a tilt adjusting position,and

a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column in aposition spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehiclebody is equal to or smaller than a width between the right and left sidesurfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

through holes are formed in the side plates of the vehicle bodyattaching bracket so that when the fastening members fasten the sideplates of the vehicle body attaching bracket, the side plates of thevehicle body attaching bracket are easily elastically deformed.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the first aspect of the invention, wherein

the thickness of the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracketis made thin so that when the fastening members fasten the side platesof the vehicle body attaching bracket, the side plates of the vehiclebody attaching bracket are easily elastically deformed.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided thesteering device according the third aspect of the invention, wherein

the first and second abutting surfaces and the recessed parts formed inthe right and left side surfaces of the outer column are provided in theside surfaces of the outer column over the entire length of thetelescopic position adjusting range of the outer column.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION

In the steering device of the present invention, the right and left sidesurfaces of the outer column include the first abutting surfaces thatcan abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates of the vehicle bodyattaching bracket in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod, thesecond abutting surfaces that can abut on the inner surfaces of the sideplates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in the vicinity of the axisof the outer column, and recessed parts respectively formed between theabutting surfaces and more recessed than the abutting surfaces.

Accordingly, the number of parts or the number of assembling processesis not increased, a fastening force of the outer column to the innercolumn is improved and the supporting rigidity of the outer column tothe vehicle body attaching bracket can be improved.

Further, the steering device of the present invention includes theabutting surfaces that are formed in the right and left side surfaces ofthe column and can abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates of thevehicle body attaching bracket in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod and the abutting surfaces that are formed in the right andleft side surfaces of the column, have a width equal or larger than thehorizontal width of the abutting surfaces in the vicinity of thefastening rod and can abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates ofthe vehicle body attaching bracket in a position spaced upward from theaxis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body.

Further, the steering device of the present invention includes abuttingsurfaces that are formed in the inner surfaces of the right and leftside plates of the vehicle attaching bracket and can abut on the rightand left side surfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod and abutting surfaces that are formed in the innersurfaces of the right and left side plates of the vehicle body attachingbracket, have a width smaller than the horizontal width of the abuttingsurfaces in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod and can abuton the right and left side surfaces of the column in a position spacedupward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body.

Accordingly, the inner surfaces of the right and left side plates of thevehicle body attaching bracket abut on the right and left side surfacesof the column at both the position in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod and the position spaced upward from the axis of thefastening rod in the vehicle body to fasten the column. Therefore, thenumber of parts or the number of assembling processes is not increased,a weight is decreased and the supporting rigidity of the column to avehicle body attaching bracket can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an entire front view showing a steering device of a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2(A) is an enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A ofFIG. 1. FIG. 2(B) is a view seen from an arrow P of FIG. 2(A)

FIG. 3 is a diagram of parts showing a simple substance of an outercolumn shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of asecond embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to theenlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of athird embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to theenlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device of afourth embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to theenlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing a conventional steeringdevice.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a simple substance of a vehicle bodyattaching bracket of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view seen from an arrow P in FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a front view showing a simple substance of a vehicle bodyattaching bracket of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an entire front view showing a steering device of an eighthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view seen from an arrow Q in FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS

-   1 outer column-   11A, 11B clamp part-   12A, 12B telescopic long groove-   13 slit-   131 closed end part-   14 vehicle body front side end face-   15A outer peripheral surface-   15B inner peripheral surface-   16A, 16B abutting surface-   17A, 17B abutting surface-   18A, 18B recessed part-   19 clamp part-   19A, 19B inclined part-   2 inner column-   3 vehicle body attaching bracket (upper bracket)-   31A, 31B flange parts-   311A, 311B abutting surface-   312A, 312B bolt-   32A, 32B side plate-   321A, 321B inner surface-   322A, 322B outer surface-   33A, 33B tilting long groove-   34 fastening rod-   341 head part-   342 chamfered part-   343 end face-   344 male screw-   35 nut-   351 end face-   36 operating lever-   37 washer-   38 bolt-   4 steering shaft-   41 steering wheel-   5 electric power steering device-   51 bracket-   52 output shaft-   6 vehicle body-   61 vehicle body attaching bracket (lower bracket)-   62 tilting central shaft-   1001 outer column-   1011A, 1011B clamp part-   1012A, 1012B telescopic long groove-   1013 slit-   1131 closed end part-   1015A outer peripheral surface-   1015B inner peripheral surface-   1016A, 1016B abutting surface-   1017A, 1017B abutting surface-   1018A, 1018B recessed part-   1002 inner column-   1003 vehicle body attaching bracket (upper bracket)-   1031A, 1031B flange parts-   1311A, 1311B abutting surface-   1312A, 1312B bolt-   1032A, 1032B side plate-   1321A, 1321B inner surface-   1322A, 1322B outer surface-   1033A, 1033B tilting long groove-   1034 fastening rod-   1341 head part-   1342 chamfered part-   1343 end face-   1344 male screw-   1035 nut-   1351 end face-   1036 operating lever-   1037 washer-   1038 bolt-   1391 thrust bearing-   1392 movable cam-   1393 fixed cam-   1004 steering shaft-   1041 steering wheel-   1005 electric power steering device-   1051 bracket-   1052 output shaft-   1006 vehicle body-   1061 vehicle body attaching bracket (lower bracket)-   1062 central axis of tilting-   1071A, 1071B, 1072A, 1072B protruding part-   1711A, 1711B, 1721A, 1721B abutting surface-   1073A protruding part-   1074A, 1074B, 1074C, 1074D through hole 1075A, 1075B protruding part

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Now, by referring to the drawings, a first embodiment to an eighthembodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is an entire front view showing a steering device of a firstembodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2(A) is an enlarged sectionalview taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 2(B) is a view seen from anarrow P of FIG. 2(A). FIG. 3 is a diagram of parts showing a simplesubstance of an outer column shown in FIG. 1.

In a hollow cylindrical outer column 1, a steering shaft 4 to which asteering wheel 41 is attached in the rear side of a vehicle body (aright side of FIG. 1) is supported so as to freely rotate. The outercolumn 1 is integrally formed by a die cast molding method in whichmolten metal such as aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy or the like ispoured into a mold under applying pressure.

To a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 15B (see FIG. 2 (1)) formed ina part of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body (aleft side of FIG. 1), an inner column 2 is internally fitted so as toaxially slide (so that a telescopic position can be adjusted). The outercolumn 1 is attached to the vehicle body 6 by a vehicle body attachingbracket (an upper bracket). In FIG. 1, the inner column 2 is arranged inthe front side of the vehicle body and the outer column 1 is arranged inthe rear side of the vehicle body, however, the inner column 2 may bearranged in the rear side of the vehicle body and the outer column 1 maybe arranged in the front side of the vehicle body.

To a part of the inner column 2 in the front side of the vehicle body,an electric power steering device 5 is attached. A bracket 51 formedintegrally with the electric power steering device 5 is supported by avehicle body attaching bracket (a lower bracket) 61 fixed to the vehiclebody 6 so as to pivotally movable through a tilting central shaft 62.The electric power steering device 5 detects a steering torque of thesteering shaft 4 to apply a steering assist force proportional to thesteering torque to an output shaft 52.

As shown in FIG. 2 (A), on the upper part of the vehicle body attachingbracket 3, a pair of right and left flange parts 31A and 31B forattaching the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 to the vehicle body 6 isformed. The flange parts 31A and 31B are fastened to the vehicle body 6by bolts 312A and 312B and abutting surfaces 311A and 311B on the uppersurface of the flange parts 31A and 31B abut on the vehicle body 6 andare fixed thereto. In the flange parts 31A and 31B, a pair of right andleft side plates 32A and 32B are bent in L shapes and extends downwardlyfrom the flange parts 31A and 31B.

Between the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 325,the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the side surfaces of clampparts 11A and 11B integrally formed downward from the outer column 1 areheld so as to achieve telescopic movement and tilting movement.

In the lower surface of the outer column 1 and the lower surfaces of theclamp parts 11A and 11B, a slit 13 is formed so as to pass through fromthe outer peripheral surface 15A to the inner peripheral surface 15B ofthe outer column 1. An end part of the slit 13 in the front side of thevehicle body (a left side of FIG. 3) is opened to an end face 14 of theouter column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body. An end part of theslit 13 in the rear side of the vehicle (a right side of FIG. 3) isextended to a substantially intermediate position of the axial length ofthe outer column 1 and a semi-circular arc shaped closed end part 131 isformed.

In the clamp parts 11A and 11B, telescopic long grooves 12A and 123extending in the axial direction of the outer column 1 are formed in thelower part of the axis of the outer column 1. Further, a fastening rod34 is inserted into tilting long grooves 33A and 333 formed in the sideplates 32A and 32B and the telescopic long grooves 12A and 12B from theright side of FIG. 2(A) (intersecting at right angles to the axis of theouter column 1).

As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), in the right side of the fastening rod34, a disk shaped head part (a fastening member) 341 is formed. In theouter periphery of the head part 341, chamfered parts 342 and 342 areformed in parallel. The chamfered part 342 is internally fitted to thetilting long groove 33B to prevent the fastening rod 34 from rotatingrelative to the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and tilt the fasteningrod 34 along the long tilting groove 33B.

An end face 343 of the head part 341 abuts on an outer surface 322B ofthe side plate 32B. In a left side of the fastening rod 34, a male screw344 is formed. To the male screw 344, a cylindrical nut (a fasteningmember) 35 is screwed. An end face 351 of the nut 35 abuts on an outersurface 322A of the side plate 32A. To the nut 35, an operating lever 36is fixed through a washer 37 and a bolt 38.

In right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1, abutting surfaces16A and 16B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1(as shown in FIG. 1, in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1when the steering device is viewed from a side part). The abuttingsurfaces 16A and 16B have small spaces between the inner surfaces 321Aand 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B and the attaching surfaces 16Aand 16B when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened, and can abut on theinner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B when thefastening rod 34 is fastened.

Further, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B are extended from the endface 14 of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body to apart in the rear side of the vehicle body and formed to positionsslightly passing the ends of the telescopic long grooves 12A and 12B inthe rear side of the vehicle body as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, theabutting surfaces 16A and 16B can abut on the inner surfaces 321A and321B of the side plates 32A and 32B over the entire length of atelescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1.

Further, in side surfaces of the clamp parts 11A and 11B respectively,abutting surfaces 17A and 17B are formed in the vicinity of the axis ofthe fastening rod 34. The abutting surfaces 17A and 17B may lightly abuton the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B, evenwhen the fastening rod 34 is unfastened. When viewed from the right sideof FIG. 2(A), the end face 343 of the head part 341 of the fastening rod34 is overlapped on the abutting surface 17B. Further, when viewed fromthe left side of FIG. 2 (A), the end face 351 of the nut 35 isoverlapped on the abutting surface 17A.

Further, the abutting surfaces 16A and 17A may be axially continuouslyarranged as shown in FIG. 3, or axially intermittently arranged.Further, when the abutting surfaces 16A and 17A abut on the side plates32A and 32B in the telescopic position adjusting range, the abuttingsurfaces may be simple protruding parts that are not extended in theaxial direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2(A), a width W1 from the abutting surface 16Ato the abutting surface 16B of the outer column 1 is formed to be equalto or wider than a width W2 from the abutting surface 17A to theabutting surface 17B of the outer column 1. Further, the abuttingsurfaces 16A and 16B, and 17A and 17B are formed at two positionsincluding a position in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rodand a position spaced vertically from the axis of the fastening rod inthe direction (a vertical direction in FIG. 2 (A)) intersecting at rightangles to the axis of the column.

Further, the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B are extended from the endface 14 of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body to apart in the rear side of the vehicle body and formed to positionsslightly passing the ends of the telescopic long grooves 12A and 12B inthe rear side of the vehicle body as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B can abut on the inner surfaces 321A and321B of the side plates 32A and 32B over the entire length of thetelescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1.

Further, recessed parts 18A and 18B are formed from the right and leftside surfaces of the outer column 1 to the right and left side surfacesof the clamp parts 11A and 11B. The recessed parts 18A and 18B areformed between the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of theaxis of the fastening rod 34 and the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B inthe vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1. The recessed parts 18Aand 18B are formed to be recessed from the abutting surfaces 17A, 17B,16A and 16B. The recessed parts 18A and 18B are extended from the endface 14 of the outer column 1 in the front side of the vehicle body to apart in the rear side of the vehicle body and formed to positionsslightly passing the ends of the telescopic long grooves 12A and 12B inthe rear side of the vehicle body as shown in FIG. 3.

When swinging the operating lever 36, the nut 35 rotates so that theside plates 32A and 32B is fastened through the fastening rod 34 or afastening state is released. That is, when the operating lever 36 isswung in a fastening direction, the nut 35 rotates and the end face 351of the nut 35 moves to a right side of FIG. 2(A) and the fastening rod34 moves to a left side of FIG. 2(A).

As a result, the end face 351 of the nut 35 fastens the outer surface322A of the side plate 32A and the end face 343 of the head part 341fastens the outer surface 322B of the side plate 32B. Thus, the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B strongly press theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod 34 to deform the clamp parts 11A and 11B toward the axisof the outer column 1 and narrow the width of the slit 13.

Further, when swinging the operating lever 36 in a fastening direction,the side plates 32A and 32B are more deformed toward the axis of theouter column 1 As described above, the recessed parts 18A and 18B areformed from the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1 tothe right and left side surfaces of the clamp parts 11A and 11B.Accordingly, the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and32B abut on the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B in the vicinity of theaxis of the outer column 1 to strongly press the inner surfaces 321A and321B to the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B in the vicinity of the axisand more deform the outer column 1 toward the axis of the outer column1.

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15B of theouter column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to innercolumn 2. At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B inthe vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and the abutting surfaces17A and 173 in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 arestrongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates32A and 32B.

Accordingly, the axis of the outer column 1 is considered to be afulcrum point, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and theinner surfaces 321A and 321B is considered to be a power point, and theclamp parts 11A and 11B are fastened by a moment proportional to adistance L2 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Therefore,the outer column 1 can be strongly pressed to the inner column 2.

Further, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B in the vicinity of the axisof the outer column 1 are also strongly fastened by the inner surfaces321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B. Accordingly, a distance L1between the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16Aand 16B of the outer column 1 and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B ofthe side plates 32A and 32B and the abutting surfaces 311A and 311B ofthe flange parts 31A and 31B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 andthe vehicle body 6 is shorter than that of a conventional steeringdevice.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 fromthe steering wheel 41, in a moment applied to the vehicle body attachingbracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 311A and 311B ofthe flange parts 31A and 31B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to bea fulcrum point. Further, a center of the abutting parts of the abuttingsurfaces 16A and 16B in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B are considered to be a power point.A moment proportional to the distance L1 between the fulcrum point andthe power point acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 3.Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 2(A)is especially improved relative to the steering force applied to theouter column 1.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Now, a second embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device ofa second embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to theenlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1. In abelow-described explanation, only structural parts different from thoseof the first embodiment will be described and a duplicated explanationwill be omitted. The same parts as those of the first embodiment aredesignated by the same reference numerals and described.

The second embodiment is a modified embodiment of the first embodimentin which a fastening rod 34 is arranged between the axis of an outercolumn 1 and a vehicle body 6. Namely, as shown in FIG. 4, between theinner surfaces 321A and 321B of side plates 32A and 32B of a vehiclebody attaching bracket 3, the side surfaces of the outer column 1 andthe side surfaces of clamp parts 11A and 11B integrally formed upwardfrom the outer column 1 are held so as to achieve telescopic movementand tilting movement.

In the upper surface of the outer column 1 and the upper surfaces of theclamp parts 11A and 11B, a slit 13 is formed so as to pass through fromthe outer peripheral surface 15A to the inner peripheral surface 15B ofthe outer column 1.

In the clamp parts 11A and 11B, telescopic long grooves 12A and 12Bextending in the axial direction of the outer column 1 are formed in theupper part of the axis of the outer column 1. Further, a fastening rod34 is inserted into tilting long grooves 33A and 33B formed in the sideplates 32A and 32B and the telescopic long grooves 12A and 12B from theright side of FIG. 4 (intersecting at right angles to the axis of theouter column 1).

In the right side of the fastening rod 34, a disk shaped head part (afastening member) 341 is formed. In the outer periphery of the head part341, chamfered parts 342 and 342 are formed in parallel. The chamferedpart 342 is internally fitted to the tilting long groove 33B to preventthe fastening rod 34 from rotating relative to the vehicle bodyattaching bracket 3 and tilt the fastening rod 34 along the long tiltinggroove 33B.

An end face 343 of the head part 341 abuts on an outer surface 322B ofthe side plate 32B. In a left side of the fastening rod 34, a male screw344 is formed. To the male screw 344, a cylindrical nut (a fasteningmember) 35 is screwed. An end face 351 of the nut 35 abuts on an outersurface 322A of the side plate 32A. To the nut 35, an operating lever 36is fixed through a washer 37 and a bolt 38.

In right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1, abutting surfaces16A and 16B are formed in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column1. The abutting surfaces 16A and 16B have small spaces between the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B and the attachingsurfaces 16A and 16B when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened, and canrespectively abut on the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates32A and 32B when the fastening rod 34 is fastened. When viewed from theright and left sides of FIG. 4, the axis of the outer column 1 isoverlapped on the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B

Further, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B can abut on the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B over the entirelength of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1similarly to the first embodiment.

Further, in side surfaces of the clamp parts 11A and 11B respectively,abutting surfaces 17A and 17B are formed in the vicinity of the axis ofthe fastening rod 34. The abutting surfaces 17A and 17B lightly abut onthe inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B, evenwhen the fastening rod 34 is unfastened. When viewed from the right sideof FIG. 4, the end face 343 of the head part 341 of the fastening rod 34is overlapped on the abutting surface 17B. Further, when viewed from theleft side of FIG. 4, the end face 351 of the nut 35 is overlapped on theabutting surface 17A.

Further, the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B can abut on the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B over the entirelength of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1like the first embodiment.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a width W3 from the abutting surface 16A tothe abutting surface 16B of the outer column 1 is formed to be equal toor wider than a width W4 from the abutting surface 17A to the abuttingsurface 17B of the outer column 1.

Further, recessed parts 18A and 18B are formed from the right and leftside surfaces of the outer column 1 to the right and left side surfacesof the clamp parts 11A and 11B. The recessed parts 18A and 18B areformed between the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of theaxis of the fastening rod 34 and the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B inthe vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and recessed more thanthe abutting surfaces 17A, 17B, 16A and 16B. The recessed parts 18A and18B are formed over the entire length of the telescopic positionadjusting range of the outer column 1 like the first embodiment.

When swinging the operating lever 36, the nut 35 rotates so that theside plates 32A and 32B can be fastened through the fastening rod 34 ora fastening state is released. That is, when the operating lever 36 isswung in a fastening direction, the nut 35 rotates and the end face 351of the nut 35 moves to a right side of FIG. 4 and the fastening rod 34moves to a left side of FIG. 4.

As a result, the end face 351 of the nut 35 fastens the outer surface322A of the side plate 32A and the end face 343 of the head part 341fastens the outer surface 322B of the side plate 32B. Thus, the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B strongly press theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod 34 to deform the clamp parts 11A and 11B toward the axisof the outer column 1 and narrow the width of the slit 13.

Further, when swinging the operating lever 36 in the fasteningdirection, the side plates 32A and 32B are more deformed toward the axisof the outer column 1. As described above, the recessed parts 18A and18B are formed from the right and left side surfaces of the outer column1 to the right and left side surfaces of the clamp parts 11A and 11B.Accordingly, the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and32B abut on the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B in the vicinity of theaxis of the outer column 1 to strongly press the inner surfaces 321A and3213 to the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B in the vicinity of the axisand more deform the outer column 1 toward the axis of the outer column1.

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15B of theouter column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to aninner column 2. At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16A and 16Bin the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1 and the abuttingsurfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the sideplates 32A and 32B

Accordingly, the axis of the outer column 1 is considered to be afulcrum point, a center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and theinner surfaces 321A and 3213 is considered to be a power point, theclamp parts 11A and 11B are fastened by a moment proportional to adistance L2 between the fulcrum point and the power point. Therefore,the outer column 1 can be strongly pressed to the inner column 2.

Further, the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axisof the fastening rod 34 are strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321Aand 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B. Accordingly, a distance L1between the center of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17Aand 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 and theinner surfaces 321A and 321B and the abutting surfaces 311A and 311B ofthe flange parts 31A and 315 of the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 anda vehicle body 6 is shorter than that of a conventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 froma steering wheel 41, in a moment applied to the vehicle body attachingbracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 311A and 311B ofthe flange parts 31A and 31B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to bea fulcrum point. Further, the center of the abutting parts of theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B are considered tobe a power point. A moment proportional to the distance L1 between thefulcrum point and the power point acts on the vehicle body attachingbracket 3. Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity inFIG. 4 is especially improved relative to the steering force applied tothe outer column 1.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Now, a third embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device ofa third embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to theenlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1. In abelow-described explanation, only structural parts different from thoseof the above-described embodiments will be described and a duplicatedexplanation will be omitted. The same parts as those of theabove-described embodiments are designated by the same referencenumerals and described.

In the first embodiment, the outer column 1 and the clamp parts 11A and11B are integrally formed by a die casting method. The second embodimentis an example in which the clamp parts 11A and 11B are formed separatelyfrom the outer column 1

As shown in FIG. 5, an outer column 1 is formed with a cylindrical steelpipe and clamp parts 19 made of a separately formed plate and formed inU-shapes are attached to a lower surface of the outer column 1 bywelding

Between the inner surfaces 321A and 3213 of side plates 32A and 32B of avehicle body attaching bracket 3, the side surfaces of the outer column1 and the side surfaces of the clamp parts 19 welded to the lowersurface of the outer column 1 are held so as to achieve telescopicmovement and tilting movement.

In the lower surface of the outer column 1, a slit 13 is formed so as topass through from the outer peripheral surface 15A to the innerperipheral surface 15B of the outer column 1. In the clamp parts 19,telescopic long grooves 12A and 12B extending in the axial direction ofthe outer column 1 are formed in the lower part of the axis of the outercolumn 1. Further, a fastening rod 34 is inserted into tilting longgrooves 33A and 33B formed in the side plates 32A and 32B and thetelescopic long grooves 12A and 12B from the right side of FIG. 5(intersecting at right angles to the axis of the outer column 1).

As shown in FIG. 5, in the right side of the fastening rod 34, a diskshaped head part (a fastening member) 341 is formed. In the outerperiphery of the head part 341, chamfered parts 342 and 342 are formedin parallel. The chamfered part 342 is internally fitted to the tiltinglong groove 33B to prevent the fastening rod 34 from rotating relativeto the vehicle body attaching bracket 3 and tilt the fastening rod 34along the long tilting groove 33B.

An end face 343 of the head part 341 abuts on an outer surface 322B ofthe side plate 32B. In a left side of the fastening rod 34, a male screw344 is formed. To the male screw 344, a cylindrical nut (a fasteningmember) 35 is screwed. An end face 351 of the nut 35 abuts on an outersurface 322A of the side plate 32A. To the nut 35, an operating lever 36is fixed through a washer 37 and a bolt 38.

When the fastening rod 34 is fastened, abutting surfaces 16A and 16B atright and left parts of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 15A ofthe outer column 1 can abut on the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of theside plates 32A and 32B. Further, when the fastening rod 34 isunfastened, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B are formed so as to have alittle space (0.1 mm to 0.2 mm) between the inner surfaces 321A and 321Bof the side plates 32A and 32B and the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B.The abutting surfaces 16A and 16B are located on intersections of ahorizontal line passing the axis of the outer column 1 and extending inthe horizontal direction and the outer peripheral surface 15A of theouter column 11

Further, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B can abut on the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B over the entirelength of a telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1similarly to the first embodiment.

Further, in right and left side surfaces of the clamp parts 19respectively, abutting surfaces 17A and 17B are formed in the vicinityof the axis of the fastening rod 34. The abutting surfaces 17A and 17Blightly abut on the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32Aand 32B, even when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened.

The abutting surfaces 17A and 17B are provided with recessed parts (seein FIG. 5) in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 to abuton the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B attwo upper and lower parts of the axis of the fastening rod 34. Theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B may not be provided with the recessedparts and may be formed to be plane.

The abutting surfaces 17A and 17B can abut on the inner surfaces 321Aand 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B throughout the entire length ofthe telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like thefirst embodiment.

Further, recessed parts 18A and 18D are formed between the abuttingsurfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34and the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B of the outer column 1. Therecessed parts 18A and 18B are formed to be recessed more than theabutting surfaces 17A, 17B 16A and 16B.

The recessed parts 18A and 18B are formed by a space surrounded by theouter peripheral surface 15A formed below the abutting surfaces 16A and16B, inclined parts 19A and 19B at the upper ends of the clamp parts 19and the inner surfaces 321A and 3215 of the side plates 32A and 32B. Therecessed parts 18A and 18B are formed over the entire length of thetelescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like the firstembodiment.

When the operating lever 36 is swung in a fastening direction, the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B strongly press theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod 34 to deform the clamp parts 19 toward the axis of theouter column 1 and narrow the width of the slit 13.

Further, when the operating lever 36 is swung in the fasteningdirection, the side plates 32A and 32B are more deformed toward the axisof the outer column 1. As described above, the recessed parts 18A and18B are formed from the outer peripheral surface 15A below the abuttingsurfaces 16A and 16B of the outer column 1 to the inclined parts 19A and19B at the upper ends of the clamp parts 19. Accordingly, the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B abut on theabutting surfaces 16A and 16B of the side surfaces of the outer column 1to strongly press the inner surfaces 321A and 321B to the abuttingsurfaces 16A and 16B and more deform the outer column 1 toward the axisof the outer column 1.

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15B of theouter column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to aninner column 2. At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16A and 16Bin the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the abutting surfaces 17Aand 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are stronglyfastened by the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and32B.

Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B passing the axis of theouter column 1 are considered to be a fulcrum point, a center of theabutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity ofthe axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B isconsidered to be a power point, and the clamp parts 19 are fastened by amoment proportional to a distance L2 between the fulcrum point and thepower point. Therefore, the outer column 1 can be strongly fastened tothe inner column 2.

Further, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B passing the axis of the outercolumn 1 are also strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321A and 321Bof the side plates 32A and 32B. Accordingly, a distance L1 between thecenter of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B of theouter column 1 and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B and the abuttingsurfaces 311A and 3115 of the flange parts 31A and 31B of the vehiclebody attaching bracket 3 and a vehicle body 6 is shorter than that of aconventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 froma steering wheel 41, in a moment applied to the vehicle body attachingbracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 311A and 311B ofthe flange parts 31A and 31B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to bea fulcrum point. Further, the center of the abutting parts of theabutting surfaces 16A and 16B in the vicinity of the axis of the outercolumn 1 and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B is considered to be apower point. A moment proportional to the distance L1 between thefulcrum point and the power point acts on the vehicle body attachingbracket 3. Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity inFIG. 5 is especially improved relative to the steering force applied tothe outer column 1.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

Now, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing a steering device ofa fourth embodiment of the present invention and corresponding to theenlarged sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1. In abelow-described explanation, only structural parts different from thoseof the above-described embodiments will be described and a duplicatedexplanation will be omitted. The same parts as those of theabove-described embodiments are designated by the same referencenumerals and described.

The fourth embodiment is a modified embodiment of the third embodimentand a clamp part 19 is formed separately from an outer column 1 like thethird embodiment. In this embodiment, a difference from the thirdembodiment resides in that when a fastening rod 34 is unfastened, spacesare formed between abutting surfaces 17A and 17B of right and left sidesurfaces of the clamp part 19 and inner surfaces 321A and 321B of sideplates 32A and 32B.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the fourth embodiment, the outer column 1 isformed with a cylindrical steel pipe and the clamp part 19 made of aseparately formed plate and formed in a U shape is attached to a lowersurface of the outer column 1 by welding.

Between the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32Bof a vehicle body attaching bracket 3, the side surfaces of the outercolumn 1 and the side surfaces of the clamp part 19 welded to the lowersurface of the outer column 1 are held so as to achieve telescopicmovement and tilting movement.

When the fastening rod 34 is fastened, abutting surfaces 16A and 16B atright and left parts of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 15A ofthe outer column 1 are strongly pressed to the inner surfaces 321A and321B of the side plates 32A and 32B. Contrary to the third embodiment,in the fourth embodiment, even when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened,the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B lightly abut on the inner sidesurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B The abuttingsurfaces 16A and 16B are located on intersections of a horizontal linepassing the axis of the outer column 1 and extending in the horizontaldirection in FIG. 6 and the outer peripheral surface 15A of the outercolumn 1.

The abutting surfaces 16A and 16B can abut on the inner surfaces 321Aand 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B over the entire length of atelescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 similarly tothe third embodiment.

Further, in right and left side surfaces of the clamp part 19respectively, abutting surfaces 17A and 17B are formed in the vicinityof the axis of the fastening rod 34. The abutting surfaces 17A and 17Bare formed to have a little space (0.1 mm to 0.2 mm) between theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B ofthe side plates 32A and 32B when the fastening rod 34 is unfastened.

The abutting surfaces 17A and 17B can abut on the inner surfaces 321Aand 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B throughout the entire length ofthe telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column 1 like thethird embodiment.

Further, recessed parts 11A and 18B are formed between the abuttingsurfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34and the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B of the outer column 1. Therecessed parts 18A and 18B are formed to be recessed more than theabutting surfaces 17A, 17B, 16A and 16B.

The recessed parts 18A and 18B are formed by spaces surrounded by theouter peripheral surface 15A formed below the abutting surfaces 16A and16B of the outer column 1, inclined parts 19A and 19B at the upper endsof the clamp part 19 and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the sideplates 32A and 32B. The recessed parts 18A and 18B are formed over theentire length of the telescopic position adjusting range of the outercolumn 1 like the third embodiment.

When an operating lever 36 is swung in a fastening direction, the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B strongly press theabutting surfaces 16A and 16B of the side surfaces of the outer column 1to deform the outer column 1 toward the axis of the outer column 1.

Further, when the operating lever 36 is swung in the fasteningdirection, the side plates 32A and 32B are more deformed toward the axisof the outer column 1. As described above, the recessed parts 18A and16B are formed from the outer peripheral surface 15A below the abuttingsurfaces 16A and 16B of the outer column 1 to the inclined parts 19A and19B at the upper ends of the clamp part 19. Accordingly, the innersurfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and 32B abut on theabutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod 34 to deform the clamp part 19 toward the axis of theouter column 1, narrow the width of a slit 13 and more deform the outercolumn 1 toward the axis of the outer column 1.

As a result, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 15B of theouter column 1 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1 to aninner column 2. At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16A and 16Bin the side surfaces of the outer column 1 and the abutting surfaces 17Aand 17B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 34 are stronglyfastened by the inner surfaces 321A and 321B of the side plates 32A and32B.

Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B passing the axis of theouter column 1 are considered to be a fulcrum point, a center of theabutting parts of the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B in the vicinity ofthe axis of the fastening rod 34 and the inner surfaces 321A and 3213 isconsidered to be a power point, and the clamp part 19 is fastened by amoment proportional to a distance L2 between the fulcrum point and thepower point. Therefore, the outer column 1 can be strongly fastened tothe inner column 2.

Further, the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B passing the axis of the outercolumn 1 are also strongly fastened by the inner surfaces 321A and 321Bof the side plates 32A and 32B. Accordingly, a distance L1 between thecenter of the abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 16A and 16B of theouter column 1 and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B and the abuttingsurfaces 311A and 311B of the flange parts 31A and 31B of a vehicle bodyattaching bracket 3 and a vehicle body 6 is shorter than that of aconventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1 froma steering wheel 41, in a moment applied to the vehicle body attachingbracket 3 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces 321A and 311B ofthe flange parts 31A and 31B and the vehicle body 6 are considered to bea fulcrum point. Further, the center of the abutting parts of theabutting surfaces 16A and 16B in the vicinity of the axis of the outercolumn 1 and the inner surfaces 321A and 321B is considered to be apower point. A moment proportional to the distance L1 between thefulcrum point and the power point acts on the vehicle body attachingbracket 3. Accordingly, a rightward and leftward supporting rigidity inFIG. 6 is especially improved relative to the steering force applied tothe outer column 1.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

Now, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to the enlarged sectional viewtaken along a line A-A of FIG. 1. In a below-described explanation, onlystructural parts different from those of the above-described embodimentswill be described and a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, on the upper part of a vehicle body attachingbracket 1003, a pair of right and left flange parts 1031A and 1031B forattaching the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 to a vehicle body 1006are formed. The flange parts 1031A and 1031B are fastened to the vehiclebody 1006 by bolts not shown in the drawing and abutting surfaces 1311Aand 1311B on the upper surfaces of the flange parts 1031A and 1031B abuton the vehicle body 1006 and are fixed thereto. In the flange parts1031A and 1031B, a pair of right and left side plates 1032A and 1032Bare bent in L shapes and extending downwardly from the flange parts1001A and 1031B.

An end face 1343 of a head part 1341 abuts on an outer surface 1322B ofthe side plate 1032B. In a left side of a fastening rod 1034, a malescrew 1344 is formed. To the male screw 1344, a cylindrical nut 1035 isscrewed. Between a right end face of the nut 1035 and an outer surface1322A of the left side plate 1032A of the vehicle body attaching bracket3, a thrust bearing 1391, an operating lever 1036, a movable cam 1392and a fixed 1393 are held in order from the left side.

The movable cam 1392 is fixed to the operating lever 1036 and rotatestogether with the operating lever 1036 by swinging the operating lever1036. The fixed can 1393 is internally fitted to a tilting long groove1033A formed in the side plate 1032A to prevent from rotating relativeto the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003.

In right and left side surfaces of an outer column 1001, abuttingsurfaces 1016A and 1016B are formed at positions spaced upward (in anupper side in FIG. 8) from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in avehicle body. Further, in side surfaces of clamp parts 1011A and 1011Brespectively, abutting surfaces 1017A and 1017B are formed in thevicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034.

A horizontal width W5 between the abutting surfaces 1016A and 1016B atthe positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 inthe vehicle body is formed to be equal to or larger than a horizontalwidth W6 between the abutting surfaces 1017A and 1017B in the vicinityof the axis of the fastening rod 1034.

The abutting surfaces 1016A and 1016B are extended from the end face ofthe outer column 1001 in the front side of the vehicle body to a part inthe rear side of the vehicle body and formed to positions slightlypassing the ends of telescopic long grooves 1012A and 1012B in the rearside of the vehicle body. Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 1016A and1016B can abut on the inner surfaces 1321A and 1321B of the side plates1032A and 1032B over the entire length of a telescopic positionadjusting range of the outer column 1001.

When the operating lever 1036 is swung, the movable cam 1392 rotates sothat the fixed cam 1393 moves to a right side of FIG. 8 and thefastening rod 1034 is pressed by the movable cam 1392 to move to a leftside of FIG. 8. As a result, the fixed cam 1393 fastens the outersurface 1322A of the side plate 1032A and the end face 1343 of the headpart 1341 fastens the outer surface 1322B of the side plate 1032B.

The horizontal width W5 between the abutting surfaces 1016A and 1016B atthe positions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 inthe vehicle body is formed to be equal to or larger than the horizontalwidth W6 between the abutting surfaces 1017A and 1017B in the vicinityof the axis of the fastening rod 1034. Accordingly, when the width W5 isformed to be larger than the width W6, the inner surfaces 1321A and1321B of the side plates 1032A and 1032B initially abut on the abuttingsurfaces 1016A and 1016B at the positions spaced upward from the axis ofthe fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body.

Further, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in a fasteningdirection, the side plates 1032A and 1032B are more elastically deformedtoward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering abutting partsof the abutting surfaces 1016A and 1016B at the positions spaced upwardfrom the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and the sideplates to be a fulcrum point. Accordingly, the inner surfaces 1321A and1321B of the side plates 1032A and 1032B abut on the abutting surfaces1017A and 1017B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 tostrongly press the inner surfaces 1321A and 1321B to the abuttingsurfaces 1017A and 1017B in the vicinity of the axis of the fasteningrod 1034. As a result, the clamp parts 1011A and 1011B are deformedtoward the axis of the outer column 1 to narrow the width of a slit1013.

Consequently, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 1015B of theouter column 1001 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1001 toan inner column 1002. At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 16Aand 16B at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fasteningrod 1034 in the vehicle body and the abutting surfaces 17A and 17B inthe vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 are strongly fastenedby the inner surfaces 1321A and 1321B of the side plates 1032A and1032B.

Further, when the width W5 is equal to the width W6, the inner surfaces1321A and 1321B of the side plates 1032A and 1032B abut on both theabutting surfaces 1016A and 1016B and the abutting surfaces 1017A and1017B at the same time. Then, when the operating lever 1036 is swung inthe fastening direction, the side plates 1032A and 1032B are elasticallydeformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering theabutting parts of the abutting surfaces 1016A and 1016B and the sideplates to be the fulcrum point and both the abutting surfaces 1016A and1016B and the abutting surfaces 1017A and 1017B are strongly fastened bythe inner surfaces 1321A and 1321B of the side plates 1032A and 1032B.

Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 16A and 163 at the positions spacedupward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body arestrongly fastened by the inner surfaces 1321A and 1321B of the sideplates 1032A and 1032B. Therefore, a distance L3 between the center ofthe abutting parts of the abutting surfaces 1016A and 1016B at thepositions spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in thevehicle body and the inner surfaces 1321A and 13213 and the abuttingsurfaces 1311A and 1311B of the flange parts 1031A and 1031B of thevehicle body attaching bracket 3 and the vehicle body 6 is shorter thanthat of a conventional steering device.

Accordingly, when a steering force is applied to the outer column 1001from a steering wheel 1041, in a moment applied to the vehicle bodyattaching bracket 1003 by this steering force, the abutting surfaces1311A and 1311B of the flange parts 1031A and 1031B and the vehicle body6 are considered to be a fulcrum point. Further, the center of theabutting parts of the abutting surfaces 1016A and 10163 at the positionsspaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 and the innersurfaces 1321A and 13213 is considered to be a power point.

A moment proportional to the distance L3 between the fulcrum point andthe power point acts on the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003.Accordingly, the number of parts or the number of assembling processesis not increased, a weight is decreased and a rightward and leftwardsupporting rigidity in FIG. 8 is improved relative to the steering forceapplied to the outer column 1001.

SIXTH EMBODIMENT

Now, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a simple substance of a vehiclebody attaching bracket of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 is a view seen from an arrow P in FIG. 9. In a below-describedexplanation, only structural parts different from those of theabove-described embodiments will be described and a duplicatedexplanation will be omitted. Further, the same parts as those of theabove-described embodiments are designated by the same referencenumerals and described.

The sixth embodiment is a modified embodiment of the fifth embodiment.According to this embodiment, in a horizontal width of the innersurfaces 1321A and 1321B of right and left side plates 1032A and 1032Bof a vehicle attaching bracket 1003, a width at a position spaced upwardfrom the axis of a fastening rod 1034 is narrower than a width in thevicinity of the axis of the fastening rod. An outer column 1001 isclamped to the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003, which is not shownin the drawing. The structure of a clamp mechanism such as an operatinglever 1036, a fastening rod 1034, a movable can 1392 and a fixed cam1393 is the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

Namely, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, in the right and left side plates1132A and 1032B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003, protrudingparts 1071A and 1071B are formed at positions spaced upward from theaxis of the fastening rod 1034 in a vehicle body. Further, in the rightand left side plates 1032A and 1032B of the vehicle body attachingbracket 1003, protruding parts 1072A and 1072B are formed in thevicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034. The protruding parts1071A and 1071B and 1072A and 1072B respectively protrude toward theright and left side surface sides of the outer column 1001 from theinner surfaces 1321A and 1321 of the right and left side plates 1032Aand 1032B.

A horizontal width W7 between abutting surfaces 1711A and 1711B wherethe protruding parts 1071A and 1071B at the positions spaced upward fromthe axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body abut on the rightand left surfaces of the outer column 1001 is formed to be equal orsmaller than a horizontal width W8 between abutting surfaces 1721A and1721B where the protruding parts 1072A and 1072B in the vicinity of theaxis of the fastening rod 1034 abut on the right and left side surfacesof the outer column 1001. Though not shown in the drawing, the width ofthe right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 is set to thesame dimension in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column 1001 andin the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034.

The protruding parts 1071A and 1071B are formed in rectangular shapeselongated in a forward and backward direction of the vehicle body in theupper parts of tilting long grooves 1033A and 1033B. Further, twoprotruding parts 1072A and 1072B are respectively formed in rectangularshapes short in the forward and backward direction of the vehicle bodyat both sides of the lower parts of the tilting long grooves 1033A and1033B. The protruding parts 1072A and 1072B may be formed in therectangular shapes elongated in the forward and backward direction ofthe vehicle body and one protruding part may be provided or theprotruding parts may not be provided.

When the width W7 is formed to be narrower than the width W8 similarlyto the fifth embodiment, if the operating lever 1036 is swung to fastenthe side plates 1032A and 1032B, the abutting surfaces 1711A and 1711Bof the protruding parts 1071A and 1071B at the positions spaced upwardfrom the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body initiallyabut on the right and left side surfaces in the vicinity of the axis ofthe outer column 1001.

Further, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in a fasteningdirection, the side plates 1032A and 1032B are more elastically deformedtoward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering abuttingsurfaces 1711A and 1711B at the positions spaced upward from the axis ofthe fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body to be a fulcrum point.Accordingly, the abutting surfaces 1721A and 1721B of the protrudingparts 1072A and 1172B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod1034 abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001to strongly press the abutting surfaces 1721A and 1721B to the right andleft side surface of the outer column 1001. As a result, clamp parts1011A and 1011B are deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 tonarrow the width of a slit 1013.

Consequently, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 1015B of theouter column 1001 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1001 toan inner column 1002. At the same time, both the abutting surfaces 1711Aand 1711B of the protruding parts 1071A and 1071B at the positionsspaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehiclebody and the abutting surfaces 1721A and 1721B of the protruding parts1072A and 1072B in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034are strongly fastened to the right and left side surfaces of the outercolumn 1001.

Therefore, a distance L4 between the center of the abutting parts of theabutting surfaces 1711A and 1711B of the protruding parts 1071A and1071B spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in thevehicle body and the right and left side surfaces of the outer column1001 and abutting surfaces 1311A and 1311B of flange parts 1031A and1031B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 and a vehicle body 1006is shorter than that of a conventional steering device. Accordingly, arightward and leftward supporting rigidity in FIG. 10 is improvedrelative to a steering force applied to the outer column 1001.

SEVENTH EMBODIMENT

Now, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a simple substance of a vehiclebody attaching bracket of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.In a below-described explanation, only structural parts different fromthose of the above-described embodiments will be described and aduplicated explanation will be omitted. Further, the same parts as thoseof the above-described embodiments are designated by the same referencenumerals and described.

The seventh embodiment is a modified embodiment of the sixth embodimentin which when an operating lever 1036 is fastened, side plates 1032A and1032B of a vehicle body attaching bracket 1003 are easily elasticallydeformed. In FIG. 11, only a side plate 1032A of a left side is shown. Aside plate of a right side has the same form.

Namely, as shown in FIG. 11, in the side plate 1032A of the left side ofthe vehicle body attaching bracket 1003, a protruding part 1073A isformed at a position spaced upward from the axis of a fastening rod 1034in a vehicle body. Further, a protruding part is not provided in thevicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the side plate 1032Aof the left side of the vehicle attaching bracket 1003. An inner surfaceof the side plate 1032A of the left side directly abuts on the sidesurface of the left side of an outer column 1001.

Accordingly, a horizontal width between the abutting surfaces where theabutting part 1073A at the position spaced upward from the axis of thefastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body (and a protruding part of theside plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) abut on the rightand left side surfaces of the outer column 1001 is formed to be smallerthan a horizontal width between the inner surfaces of the side plate1032A in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 (and aninner surface of the side plate of the right side not shown in thedrawing) abut on the right and left side surfaces of the outer column1001. Though not shown in the drawing, the width of the right and leftside surfaces of the outer column 1001 is set to the same dimension atthe position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 inthe vehicle body and in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod1034.

In the side plate 1032A of the left side of the vehicle body attachingbracket 1003, through holes 1074A, 1074B, 1074C and 1074D passingthrough the side plate 1032A are formed. The through holes 1074A and1074B are formed in rectangular shapes elongated in a forward andbackward direction of the vehicle body in the upper parts of a tiltinglong groove 1033A. Further, the through holes 174C and 174D are formedin vertically elongated rectangular shapes at both sides of the tiltinglong groove 1033A in the forward and backward direction of the vehiclebody.

When the operating lever 1036 is swung to fasten the side plate 1032A asin the sixth embodiment, the abutting surface of the protruding part1073A at the position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod1034 in the vehicle body (and the protruding part of the side plate ofthe right side not shown in the drawing) initially abuts on the sidesurface of the left side in the vicinity of the axis of the outer column1001.

Further, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in a fasteningdirection, the side plate 1032A (and the side plate of the right sidenot shown in the drawing) is more elastically deformed toward the axisof the outer column 1001 by considering the abutting surface at theposition spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in thevehicle body to be a fulcrum point.

Since the through holes 1074A, 1074B, 1074C and 1074D passing throughthe side plate 1032A are formed, the side plate 1032A is easilyelastically deformed and the inner surfaces of the side plate 1032A inthe vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 (and the side plateof the right side not shown in the drawing) abut on the right and leftside surfaces of the outer column 1001 to strongly press the right andleft side surfaces of the outer column 1001. As a result, clamp parts1011A and 1011B are deformed toward the axis of the outer column 1001 tonarrow the width of a slit 1013.

Consequently, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 1013B of theouter column 1001 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1001 toan inner column 1002. At the same time, both the abutting surfaces ofthe protruding part 1073A at the position spaced upward from the axis ofthe fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body (and the protruding part ofthe side plate of the right side not shown in the drawing) and the innersurfaces of the side plate 1032A in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod 1034 (and the side plate of the right side not shown inthe drawing) are strongly fastened to the right and left side surfacesof the outer column 1001.

In the seventh embodiment, the through holes 1074A, 1074B, 1074C and1074D are formed. However, when a long distance can be ensured betweenthe protruding part 1073A and the axis of the fastening rod 1034 and theside plate 1032A is easily elastically deformed, the through holes1074A, 1074B, 1074C and 1074D are not necessarily required. Further, theprotruding part 1073 may not be formed in the side plate 1032A of thevehicle body attaching bracket 1003 and protruding parts may be formedon the right and left surfaces of the outer column 1001 at positionsspaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehiclebody.

EIGHTH EMBODIMENT

Now, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. FIG. 12 is an entire front view of a steering device of theeighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a view seen froman arrow Q in FIG. 12. In a below-described explanation, only structuralparts different from those of the above-described embodiments will bedescribed and a duplicated explanation will be omitted. Further, thesame parts as those of the above-described embodiments are designated bythe same reference numerals and described.

The eighth embodiment is a modified embodiment of the seventhembodiment. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in side plates 1032A and 10323of a vehicle body attaching bracket 1003, protruding parts 1075A and1075B are formed at positions spaced upward from the axis of a fasteningrod 1034 in a vehicle body. Further, a protruding part is not providedin the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the side plates1032A and 1032B of the vehicle body attaching bracket 1003. Innersurfaces 1321A and 1321B of the side plates 1032A and 1032B directlyabut on the right and left side surfaces of an outer column 1001.

Accordingly, a horizontal width W9 between abutting surfaces where theprotruding parts 1075A and 1075B at the positions spaced upward from theaxis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body abut on the right andleft side surfaces of the outer column 1001 is formed to be smaller thana horizontal width W10 between abutting surfaces where the innersurfaces 1321A and 1321B of the side plates 1032A and 1032B in thevicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 abut on the right andleft side surfaces of the outer column 1001.

In the side plates 1032A and 1032B of the vehicle body attaching bracket1003, the through holes as in the third embodiment are not formed,however, the thickness of the side plates 1032A and 1032B is reduced sothat the side plates 1032A and 1032B are easily elastically deformed.

When an operating lever 1036 is swung to fasten the side plate 1032A and1032B as in the seventh embodiment, the abutting surfaces of theprotruding parts 1075A and 1175B at the positions spaced upward from theaxis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body initially abut on theright and left side surfaces in the vicinity of the axis of the outercolumn 1001.

Further, when the operating lever 1036 is swung in a fasteningdirection, the side plates 1032A and 1032B are more elastically deformedtoward the axis of the outer column 1001 by considering the abuttingsurfaces at the positions spaced upward from the axis of the fasteningrod 1034 in the vehicle body to be a fulcrum point.

Since the thickness of the side plates 1032A and 10323 is reduced, theside plates 1032A and 10323 are easily elastically deformed and theinner surfaces 1321A and 13213 of the side plates 1032A and 1032B in thevicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 abut on the right andleft side surfaces of the outer column 1001 to strongly press the rightand left side surfaces of the outer column 1001. As a result, clampparts 1011A and 1010B are deformed toward the axis of the outer column1001 to narrow the width of a slit 1013.

Consequently, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 1015B of theouter column 1001 is reduced to strongly fasten the outer column 1001 toan inner column 1002. At the same time, both the abutting surfaces ofthe protruding parts 1075A and 1075B at the positions spaced upward fromthe axis of the fastening rod 1034 in the vehicle body and the innersurfaces 1321A and 13213 of the side plates 1032A and 10323 in thevicinity of the axis of the fastening rod 1034 are strongly fastened tothe right and left side surfaces of the outer column 1001.

In the above-described embodiments, the embodiments are shown that areapplied to the steering device in which both a telescopic position and atilting position can be adjusted. However, the present invention may beapplied to a steering device in which only the telescopic position canbe adjusted. Further, the present invention may be applied to a steeringdevice in which an outer column and an inner column are not expanded orcontracted (the telescopic position is not adjusted) and only a tiltingposition can be adjusted. Further, the present invention may be appliedto a steering device having any of adjusting mechanisms. In theabove-described embodiments, an explanation is given to the devicehaving the electric power steering device 5, 1005. However, the electricpower steering device 5, 1005 may not be provided. Further, in the abovedescription, a fastening mechanism is formed with a cam, however, thefastening mechanism may be formed with a screw.

The present invention is described in detail by referring to thespecific embodiments, however, it is to be understood to a person withordinary skill in the art that various changes or modifications may bemade without departing the spirit and the scope of the presentinvention.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application (JP applicationNo. 2006-044496) filed on Feb. 21, 2006, and Japanese Patent Application(JP application No. 2006-334129) filed on Dec. 12, 2006 and contentsthereof are included herein as a reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the steering device of the present invention, the number ofparts or the number of assembling processes is not increased, afastening force of an outer column to an inner column can be improved, aweight can be decreased and the supporting rigidity of the outer columnto a vehicle body attaching bracket can be improved.

1. A steering device comprising: a column that supports a steering shafton which a steering wheel is mounted so as to freely rotate; a vehiclebody attaching bracket that is attachable to a vehicle body andcomprises a pair of right and left side plates for holding right andleft side surfaces of the column therebetween; a fastening rod spacedfrom an axis of the column and inserted into the side plates of thevehicle body attaching bracket and the column; and fastening membersarranged at both ends of the fastening rod to fasten an inner surfacesof the side plates to the side surfaces of the column, wherein contactsurfaces between the right and left side surface of the column and theinner surfaces of the side plates are formed in two parts including apart near the axis of the fastening rod and a part spaced from the axisof the fastening rod.
 2. The steering device according to claim 1,wherein the right and left side surfaces of the column respectivelycomprises: first abutting surfaces that abut on the inner surfaces ofthe side plates in the vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod; secondabutting surfaces that abut on the inner surfaces of the side plates inthe vicinity of the axis of the column, and recessed parts respectivelyformed between the abutting surfaces and recessed from the abuttingsurfaces.
 3. The steering device according to claim 2, wherein thecolumn is an outer column externally fitted to an inner column so as tobe telescopically adjustable, and the fastening members fasten the outercolumn to the inner column at a telescopically adjustable position. 4.The steering device according to claim 3, wherein the first and secondabutting surfaces formed in the right and left side surface of the outercolumn are provided in the side surfaces of the outer column so as tocome into contact with the inner surfaces of the side plates over atelescopic position adjusting range of the outer column.
 5. The steeringdevice according to claim 3, wherein the outer column is held betweenthe side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket so that a tiltingposition is adjustable.
 6. The steering device according to claim 3,wherein when the fastening members at both the ends of the fastening rodare fastened, the first abutting surfaces abut on the inner surfaces ofthe side plates.
 7. The steering device according to claim 3, whereinwhen the fastening members at both the ends of the fastening rod arefastened, the second abutting surfaces abut on the inner surfaces of theside plates.
 8. The steering device according to claim 3, wherein theouter column is integrally formed with aluminum or magnesium.
 9. Thesteering device according to claim 2, wherein the fastening membersfasten the column at a prescribed tilt adjusting position.
 10. Thesteering device according to claim 1, wherein a width between the rightand left side surfaces of the column in a position spaced upward fromthe axis of the fastening rod in the vehicle body is equal to or largerthan a width between the right and left side surfaces of the column inthe vicinity of the axis of the fastening rod.
 11. The steering deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein a width between the inner surfaces of theright and left side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in aposition spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod in the vehiclebody is smaller than a width between the inner surfaces of the right andleft side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracket in the vicinityof the axis of the fastening rod.
 12. The steering device according toclaim 1, wherein the fastening members fasten the column at a tiltadjusting position, and a width between the right and left side surfacesof the column in a position spaced upward from the axis of the fasteningrod in the vehicle body is equal to or larger than a width between theright and left side surfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axisof the fastening rod.
 13. The steering device according to claim 1,wherein the fastening members fasten the column at a tilt adjustingposition, and a width between the right and left side surfaces of thecolumn in a position spaced upward from the axis of the fastening rod inthe vehicle body is equal to or smaller than a width between the rightand left side surfaces of the column in the vicinity of the axis of thefastening rod.
 14. The steering device according to claim 1, whereinthrough holes are formed in the side plates of the vehicle bodyattaching bracket so that when the fastening members fasten the sideplates of the vehicle body attaching bracket, the side plates of thevehicle body attaching bracket are easily elastically deformed.
 15. Thesteering device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the sideplates of the vehicle body attaching bracket is made thin so that whenthe fastening members fasten the side plates of the vehicle bodyattaching bracket, the side plates of the vehicle body attaching bracketare easily elastically deformed.
 16. The steering device according toclaim 3, wherein the first and second abutting surfaces and the recessedparts formed in the right and left side surfaces of the outer column areprovided in the side surfaces of the outer column over the entire lengthof the telescopic position adjusting range of the outer column.